Carol Jeanne Pike Allswede Chaffee, born on May 27, 1934, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Melvin and Gwendolyn (Bennett) Pike, passed away peacefully, Nov. 26, 2024, surrounded by her children and two of her caregivers at her Florida home.

Carol spent much of her early life in Midland, Michigan before later relocating to Flagler Beach, Florida, where she enjoyed living near the ocean with all that has to offer. She was married to Wayne W. Allswede for 20 years and they welcomed three children Catherine, Sharon and Stephen. Carol later married John Chaffee and after his passing, shared her life with Gerald G. Goff.

Carol spent 20 years as a highly valued administrator for the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners, but the main focus of her life was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carol often accompanied her daughter Sharon to dog trialing events. She also enjoyed hosting her grandchildren, children, stepchildren and friends at the riverside cabin she shared with John Chaffee in Edenville, MI. Later in life she could be found playing bingo or enjoying the slot machines at a casino. Carol was always an avid reader.

Carol was predeceased by her daughter, Catherine Allswede, her husband John Chaffee and her stepson Michael Chaffee as well as her parents and other cousins, aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Allswede; her son, Stephen (Michele) Allswede; her grandchildren Erik Allswede (fiancée Mindy Mireles), granddaughter Emily Allswede (fiancé Garrett Ledesma) and great granddaughters, Paisley and Zoey Ledesma. Carol leaves her beloved sister, Judy (Ralph) Allswede, their children Michael, Matthew and Sara and their children. Carol also leaves her stepdaughters/daughter-in-law Michelle, Melissa and Debra Chaffee and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her very close friend, Gerald G. Goff, several cousins, many cherished friends & colleagues and her dedicated caregivers Darla, Lynell, and Paula.

At her request, Carol has been cremated. There will be a local memorial celebration at Carol's residence in Flagler Beach on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM. Internment of Carol's ashes will take place at the Sanford, Michigan, Cemetery on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 12 noon.

Carol's journey through life was marked by her energy, love of life, resilience and the connections she built with those around her. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. May her legacy bring comfort and peace to those she leaves behind.